Maldives to India Medical Treatment

Maldivian patients enjoy a significant advantage — visa-free entry to India for medical treatment up to 90 days. No prior visa application is needed. For treatment exceeding 90 days, apply for a Medical Visa at the High Commission of India in Malé. All visas to Maldivian nationals are issued on a gratis (FREE) basis.

What Is an Indian Medical Visa for maldivian Patients?

Maldivian patients enjoy a unique advantage — visa-free entry to India for medical treatment up to 90 days. No prior visa application is needed. For treatment exceeding 90 days, the Indian Medical Visa (MED) can be obtained from the High Commission of India in Malé. All visas to Maldivian nationals are issued on a gratis (FREE) basis. The Medical Visa allows stays up to 1 year with extension possibilities through the FRRO. Up to 2 family members may accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X).

Quick Reference Table

Eligibility

maldivian citizens with a valid Maldives passport are eligible to apply for an Indian Medical Visa if the purpose of travel is medical treatment at a recognized Indian hospital. Applications must be submitted in person at the High Commission of India, Malé. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine medical need, hold an invitation/appointment letter from an Indian hospital, and carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of arrival with at least 2 blank pages.

Documents Required

Patient Documents

• Valid Maldives passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages)
• Photocopy of the passport data page
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (Standard passport-size photographs with white background.)
• Completed online visa application form (printed and signed — signature must match passport)

Medical Documents

• No referral letter required for visa-free entry up to 90 days. For medical treatment beyond 90 days, apply for a Medical Visa at the High Commission in Malé.
• All relevant investigation reports (blood tests, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, biopsy reports, etc.)
• Invitation/appointment letter from a recognized Indian hospital (on official letterhead, signed and stamped, including patient name, passport number, treatment recommendation, cost estimate, and appointment date — also emailed directly to the Indian Mission from the hospital’s official email)
• For transplant patients: compatibility report of donor and patient
• For follow-up treatment: previous medical papers and discharge summary from Indian hospital

Financial and Supporting Documents

• Certified bank statement for the last 3 months demonstrating sufficient funds to cover treatment and stay
• Return flight itinerary

For MED-X (Attendant) applicants: All of the above plus a copy of the patient’s visa application and proof of relationship to the patient.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1 — Get a medical opinion from a hospital in India. Share your reports to receive a treatment recommendation, cost estimate, and formal invitation letter. This letter is required before applying.
• Step 2 — Collect all required documents. Obtain the referral letter from your local maldives hospital, gather all medical investigation reports, ensure your passport is valid.
• Step 3 — Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the online visa application form. Print the completed form and sign it in the designated boxes. Your signature must match the one in your passport.
• Step 4 — Book and attend your embassy appointment. Appear in person at the High Commission of India, Malé with originals and photocopies of all documents. Pay the visa fee as instructed.
• Step 5 — Attend your interview (if required). The consular officer may request additional documents or ask questions about your treatment plan.
• Step 6 — Receive your visa. Collect your stamped passport during the collection window (or confirm e-Visa status). Check all visa details carefully before travel.

Visa Fee Structure (2026)

All visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change. Verify current amounts directly with the Indian Mission before submitting.

Indian Mission — Contact Details

Extending Your Medical Visa While in India

If your treatment takes longer than the visa validity allows, you can extend your Medical Visa while remaining in India. Submit extension requests to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in the state where treatment is being received. Extensions are granted on medical grounds with a letter from your treating hospital. If your stay exceeds 180 days, you must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not providing the local maldives hospital’s referral letter — this is non-negotiable and must be sent from the hospital’s official email to the Indian Mission
• Submitting a hospital invitation letter that was not emailed to the Indian Mission directly from the Indian hospital’s official email address
• Name mismatches between the passport and hospital documents
• Late planning — begin the process at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date
• Applying without a hospital letter that includes all required details: patient name, passport number, diagnosis, treatment plan, cost estimate, and appointment date

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Maldivian nationals really need no visa for medical treatment?

Correct — Maldivian nationals enjoy visa-free entry to India for medical treatment up to 90 days. You do not need to apply for any visa beforehand. Simply carry your valid Maldivian passport (minimum 6 months validity), relevant medical documents, and proof of sufficient funds. Complete the e-Arrival Card online at boi.gov.in within 72 hours before travel.

2. When do I need to apply for a Medical Visa?

You only need to apply for a Medical Visa if your treatment requires a stay exceeding 90 days. In that case, apply at the High Commission of India in Malé. The Medical Visa can be granted for up to 6 months and in deserving cases up to 1 year. Two medical attendants may be allowed on a Medical Attendant Visa.

3. Are all visas to Maldivian nationals really free?

Yes — all categories of visas to Maldivian nationals are issued on a gratis (FREE) basis. There is no visa fee. The only charge is for emergency visa services: MVR 590 (~USD 38). This applies to Medical Visa, Medical Attendant Visa, and all other visa categories.

4. How long does it take to get an Indian Medical Visa from Maldives?

N/A — Visa-free entry for up to 90 days. The total realistic timeline from first contacting an Indian hospital to departing Maldives is 7-14 business days, assuming all documents are in order. Start the process early — rushing near your travel date is the most common cause of delays and rejections.

5. How many family members can accompany a patient?

Up to 2 family members or caregivers may accompany the patient on a Medical Attendant Visa (MED-X). Each attendant must apply for the MED-X visa simultaneously with the patient’s application. Attendants must carry the same core documents as the patient, plus proof of their relationship to the patient (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with the Government of India or any official Embassy, High Commission, or Bureau of Immigration. We do not issue visas or charge government processing fees. All visa requirements and processing times are subject to change by state authorities. International travelers can independently apply for a Medical Visa directly at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Our services are strictly limited to logistical planning and assisting patients in procuring official Visa Invitation Letters from our empanelled partner hospitals.